Noted Chemist Rejoins Latex International To Lead R&D, New Product Development

Furniture World Magazine

Furniture Industry News Update -
8/20/2014

Latex International, the world’s largest Talalay Latex component producer, said George Suplee had rejoined the company this past week. Suplee has had a storied 15 year career with Latex International, where he rose to be vice president of technology, a post from which he developed many new products and innovations using Talalay Latex. He retired from the company in 2008, but was anxious to rejoin the industry leader when the opportunity recently arose. He will oversee research and development, and new product development.

“George is really the dean of Talalay Latex innovation worldwide. He developed so many new products and creative approaches to using the material over the years that he is tremendous asset to our organization,” said Latex International President and Chief Executive Officer Dave Fisher. “We are excited to have him back aboard and leading our innovation team. There are so many opportunities we have being the sole U.S. producer of Talalay and no one better than George to collaborate with our customers.”

Suplee originally joined the company in 1993 and worked closely with its founder, Bill Coffey, the widely recognized global expert in latex chemistry, and with Leon Talalay, the co-inventor of the Talalay process. George developed numerous formulations and processes to meeting exacting customer cost, quality and product requirements for customers, and was also responsible for controlling/improving product material costs and the assurance of superior product consistency.

Before joining Latex International, he was a senior executive with Fulflex, a dry rubber company based in North Carolina. Earlier in his career, he headed research and development for Ludlow Composites in Fremont, OH.

He is a graduate of Ohio State University where he majored in chemistry and humanities.
He resides in Florida, with his wife Leo.

About Pure Latex Bliss: Founded in 1975, Latex International is the world’s largest manufacturer of latex mattresses and pillows, sold under many leading brand names through strategic business partners. Talalay Latex sleep products offer unsurpassed durability and levels of weightless comfort. More than 200 employees produce mattress cores, toppers and pillow buns utilizing both the Talalay and Dunlop manufacturing processes. Latex International manufactures latex in Shelton, CT and manages over 10 distribution and fabrication centers throughout the world. For more information on the company, please visit www.latexinternational.com.